Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[RaZ]

I just hope it doesn't pick up rabies then bite or drool on you.
Always wonders if how it gets into your coop will allow less 'friendly' critters in....
....or maybe it will turn out to be your livestock guardian opossum.

From what I've read, opossums rarely contract rabies.
How it got in is pretty easy. The main door is opened in the morning and closed when I get home. That's a good 12 hours to host visitors.
If it were a skunk, weasel, or other predator, I would be worried. I think this little opossum and sibling are orphans. I think I have a pretty good chance of taming them. I'm going to try.

 

[Folly's place]

Randy, that's not a good idea at all. Stick to dogs, cats, and chickens, and let the wildlife be wild, and out of your coop. 'Too friendly' and 'docile' are not good signs in an animal that should be wild!
Mary

 

[RaZ]

I know, Mary. My inner Dr. Doolittle is showing.
I've managed to "tame" squirrels and birds before. It's always fun to have birds take seed from an open hand or have a squirrel knock on the window looking for it's morning peanuts.
As long as there is wildlife in the yard I'll make peace with them as long as they don't cause any harm.

 

[Candy442]

Back home from Detroit and my week long stay there after surgery. Lots of catching up so when I get that done I'll fill you in on all the fun, lol.

So glad to hear all went well John!!

 

[Candy442]

Be forewarned, the following photos may be disturbing to some.


I can hear the yelling now. lol

You won't hear yelling from me. I love all critters and possums get a bad rap most of the time, but they are dangerous to have around horses for sure.

 

[RaZ]

9 eggs from 10 hens today. I guess the little naked-tail house guest isn't bothering the girls.

 

[aart]

9 eggs from 10 hens today.

All this years pullets?

I have not gotten an egg in a week, before that one hen was laying ~4 a week, think she's molting now.
Hatched this years replacement layers too late, even with supplemental lighting they haven't even started laying yet.
I bought grocery eggs today for the first time in 6 years.
7 days until Solstice!!

 

[RaZ]

All this years pullets?

7 days until Solstice!!

Half are this year's pullets. Sapphire Gems that I got in spring from TSC They were closer to 30 weeks for POL. The other half are hens that are almost 2yo. They have not moulted yet. That concerns me some. I hope they don't moult in the dead of winter.

 

[aart]

The other half are hens that are almost 2yo. They have not moulted yet.

That is odd.
Especially as you're not using lights?

 

[Folly's place]

My bantam hens and pullets have gone on strike; one egg in two weeks from twelve females! My standard pullets are laying, but not real well. Only nine eggs today...
Mary